Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes Treatment Q & A
Why does diabetes occur?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the level of sugars or glucose in the blood reaches and maintains unhealthy levels. There are three primary types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone insulin, necessary for regulating blood sugar levels; type 2 diabetes that occurs when the body doesn't process insulin the way it should; and gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy. Type 1 diabetes tends to develop during the childhood years and lasts for the remainder of the person's life, while type 2 diabetes is associated with weight gain, primarily during the adult years (although the recent increase in childhood obesity has resulted in larger numbers of children developing type 2 diabetes as well).
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How is diabetes diagnosed?
Diabetes is diagnosed with a simple blood test that measures the blood glucose levels.
What kinds of problems does diabetes cause?
Without proper and ongoing treatment, diabetes can cause many major medical problems like:
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kidney disease and kidney failure
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blindness
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cardiovascular disease
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nerve damage
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hearing loss
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Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive issues
People who have diabetes also frequently experience burning, tingling or electricity-like sensations in their feet, and because tissue-healing responses can be inhibited, they're at greater risk for infections and even lower limb amputations as a result of circulatory and nerve damage.
What treatment is available for diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition requiring careful, ongoing management to keep blood sugar levels under control and avoid serious health problems. People who have diabetes will need to watch their diet to avoid overloading on foods that can cause blood sugar levels to spike, and they'll also need to monitor their glucose levels often, typically several times a day. Insulin shots or pills are also usually necessary to supplement natural insulin production so glucose levels can be maintained. Other lifestyle changes like losing excess weight and being more physically active are also important, as are routine doctor visits.